Full Circle

"Make me remember you, like you remember me..." - The Weeknd

The 1996 NBA Draft was one of the best ever, and last night the 13th-pick from that year continued to prove the doubters wrong.

I Told You So

Kobe Bryant was the first guard to successfully make the jump from high school to the pro ranks. People didn't believe he could survive with the Lakers, and the experts said that he did not have what it takes to have a long career. They were wrong.

The Bryant family hails from Philadelphia, and it was Joe Bryant who introduced Wilt Chamberlain to his 8-year old son Kobe. 26-years later, the saga continues as Kobe passed Wilt Chamberlain to become the 4th all-time leading scorer in league history.

Hollywood couldn't write a better script. The things Bryant has done, and is currently accomplishing on the basketball court is surreal.

The lesson in this is to never give up on your dreams, because they can and will come true.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press

Love and Basketball

"The same streets that raised you, can age you..." - Common - U, Black Maybe

Sports are a metaphor of our everyday lives. It's the reason why some people will defend their teams tooth and nail, or an athlete will push themselves to become the best they can be. My first love was and always will be basketball. Even now long after my playing days, I still find joy in the game that taught me a wealth of life lessons.

Live and Learn

A picture is worth 1,000-words, and while I'm not going to write that many things about the photo above, allow me if you will to shed some light on the subject. When Kobe Bryant declared for the NBA, he unexpectedly received a ton of backlash and hatred. Everyone felt that a 17-year old wasn't able to make such a bold decision, and that he should attend a major college or university like most high school graduates.

Bryant remained determined and on June 26, 1996, he was selected with the 13th-overall pick. Five-years later the Lakers defeated the 76ers in Philadelphia, and not only was Kobe right in following his heart, he emerged an NBA champion, to silence his critics.

As I look at the image, it reminds me to be totally honest with myself and everyone around me, stay the course, and remember that sports have and will continue to take me far.

I'm thankful for the game, the experiences, and the people it has bought my way.

Life is good.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE

Style

"I'm out here ballin', I know y'all hear my sneaks..."

Jay-Z - No Church in the Wild

Paul George is an up and coming NBA player from southern California. He has been getting a lot of attention and recognition not only for his game, but also for his penchant for wearing exclusive sneakers.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: AXG

Dreams

"Some dreams stay dream, some dreams come true..."


Kanye West - Still Dreaming


The Washington Wizards have struggled this season, however last week they overcame their recent adversity and played together as a team.


Finally

Nick Young grew up in Los Angeles, and over the years he developed into a really good basketball player. Fast forward to the present day, and it was just last week that he fulfilled a lifelong goal of playing against and defeating the Lakers.


The lesson in this is to be dedicated, humble, and patient in all that you do, and eventually things will begin to turn. Follow your heart, and continue to work hard.


Words: @axgilbert


Video: @lienette

Shark Week

"Hunt me or be hunted..." 


Notorious B.I.G. - Unbelievable


Nike is a brand that prides itself in listening to the voice of the athlete to make the best footwear and apparel. Luckily for us, things continue to get better over time.


Superb


Nike Basketball has a series within the Kobe signature shoe line entitled the "Predator Pack". Bryant is an avid fan of the Discovery Channel, as he enjoys learning about nature, and how he can incorporate it into his game. Some of the animals that have made the exclusive pack are the cheetah, poison dart frog, North American grey wolf, and the great white shark.


"The philosophy I have is that you either be the hunter or the hunted, the predator or the prey. I'm not trying to be the prey," Bryant stated.


Kobe's predatory focus on the game is what has made him a 5-time NBA champion, as his search for another title continues.


Words: @axgilbert


Video: Footlocker

Legacy

"Never looking back, or too far in front of me, the present is a gift..."

Common - Be

Video: @axgilbert

Photo: US Presswire

Confidence

"You don't see just how wild the crowd is, you don't see just how fly my style is..."

Kanye West - Champion

The only thing constant in this world is change, and so far this year has been like none other. Obviously it's a shortened 66-game season...but one team has learned to take every advantage, capitalizing on their cohesive nature, and never quit attitude.

Guts

The Philadelphia 76ers defended their home court on Monday night against a fired up Kobe Bryant and his Los Angeles Lakers. It was a game of two halves as Bryant had a blistering 24-points at intermission, but it was the superb shooting of Lou Williams who amassed 14-points in the 4th quarter to carry the Sixers to a 95-90 victory.

The stakes were high as a sold out Wells Fargo Center rocked with a chorus of Sixers and Lakers fans, not too mention the celebrities in attendance which would rival a who's who at the Staples Center including, actor Terrence Howard, rapper Meek Mill, and Philadelphia Eagles players Lesean McCoy, and Desean Jackson. On top of all that, Bryant moved into 5th place in the NBA's all-time scoring list during the 2nd quarter...however the 76ers stayed within striking distance to set the stage for a Lou Williams scoring binge that included 7-straight points that broke the Lakers back.

When asked about the final period, Williams stated, "that's the quarter when you win, that's where you make it happen. From the stat of my basketball career and for as long as I could remember, I've always played well in the 4th quarter, because I know that's the most important time of a basketball game. I've been blessed to be put in the position professionally where I have a coach and teammates that understand that about my game, and put the ball in my hands."

Philadelphia is leading the Atlantic Division with an 18-7 record, and while this team doesn't get the national recognition they rightfully deserve, they continue to press forward, and win games.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: Associated Press

Hometown

"First they love you, then they hate you, then they love you again."


Jay-Z - Meet the Parents


There are certain teams in sports that no matter what they do, or where they play,  people will find ways to dislike them. For example, the New York Yankees, New England Patriots, Duke Blue Devils, and the Los Angeles Lakers.


History


The Philadelphia 76ers hosted the Lakers tonight at the Wells Fargo Center. There are many story lines in this match up, as both teams were seeking to add another victory, however the most compelling fact of the contest was that Kobe Bryant needed 24-points to eclipse former teammate Shaquille O'Neal and move into 5th-place on the NBA's career scoring list.


Much has been made about where Kobe was born or where he is from, and as trivial as that sounds, in Philadelphia it's been a hot topic of discussion throughout his career. What's interesting is that he has had a few meaningful games as a Laker in South Philly...from his clinching a second NBA title, to his first All-Star MVP...these are benchmarks that have helped to define him.


Bryant always seems as if he is on a mission, and tonight was no different as he finished the 1st quarter with 14-points, 2-rebounds, and a steal. With little over 5-minutes left in the second period, he made good on an attempt moving him into 5th place. He finished with 28-points, giving him 28, 601-points overall.


Kobe was candid after the game in saying, "it feels good, it's a tremendous honor...it's a lot of work that we put in to get to this point...I think when players retire, you start kinda thinking about your career and your accomplishments and things of that sort, but when you're going through it and you're playing during the season, all you're thinking about is winning the next game and trying to make some noise in June."


Just to prove a point, I asked him about playing in Philly and how special it has been in his career, to which he answered, "it becomes more significant the older I get in terms of coming back here playing...I don't have many more of these games left."


Bryant took his place in history tonight and the Sixers handled the rest winning 95-90 with a strong effort from Lou Williams down the stretch.


When it is all said and done Kobe is only concerned with championships, as his hunt for number 6 continues.


Words: @axgilbert


Photo: Noah Zuares/AcesHoops.com

28,000 and counting

"Trying to escape my trouble..."

Jay-Z - Politics As Usual

The 66-game shortened NBA season is a week old, but it's too early to do an in depth analysis. There have been some major changes in Los Angeles, Dallas, and New York, however the new year will certainly bring excitement, and surprise in the upcoming months.

Consistency

On New Year's Eve the Lakers outlasted the Nuggets 92-89 as Andrew Bynum returned to the lineup after sitting out 4-games due to a suspension that carried over from the playoffs. He played well scoring 29-points while securing 13-rebounds, Derek Fisher made the ultimate hustle play that saved the game and could have more than likely set the tone for the season.

With all the changes to the Lakers; Coach Mike Brown, Metta World Peace, and the Lamar Odom trade to Dallas, one thing has remained the same, and that is Kobe Bryant. Just when it seems that his reign as one of the best players in the league will come to a close, he continues to move forward, playing through injury, change, and milestones.

Sunday night in the second game of a back-to-back against the Nuggets he struggled early and never shook off the shooting woes as Denver won 99-90, finishing the game on an 11-0 run.

Bryant entered the contest needing only 4-points to become the youngest player to reach the 28K plateau, which he achieved on a free-throw at the 10:43 mark of the 3rd quarter. He now stands at 6th in all-time scoring, and will need 584-points to eclipse the next closest player, Shaquille O'Neal.

The saga continues tonight as the Lakers host the Rockets at the Staples Center. 

Words: @axgilbert

Picture: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

The Sixth Sense

"Well should I get the new J's or the Kobe's..."

Andre 3000 - 30 Something

It's the playoffs and the rule of thumb is to win, or simply go home. I understand that it's been roughly 4-months since I've written anything for this blog...which is a sign of the times. First things first, I've been super busy, and now I have a tumblr account.

Nevertheless while a few things have changed...it's good to see that a lot of teams in the NBA have a familiar look and feel.

Pursuance

Last week I was in Boston, and upon my return home, I had to decide on either taking a cab or the train from the airport...I decided on the latter and within a few minutes of taking a seat, I was in earshot of a conversation about the Lakers.

In the ensuing minutes between stops...a woman says, "Did you see Kobe crying like a little girl last night?" 

I turned to her direction with a Magic Johnson like smile, and then proceeded to look through my phone, and read via twitter.

I don't understand the animosity that people have for the Lakers guard...however I do appreciate the love and fervor that fans have for their teams.

I grew up a 76ers fan, and once Charles Barkley packed his bags for Phoenix, I pledged my allegiance to the New York Knicks. The interesting thing both these teams had in common was Michael Jordan.

Jordan is one of the greatest players in the modern era, and while I loved his sneakers, and watching him fly...he ruined any chance of a championship. I couldn't fully cheer for him, however I did respect his game, and whenever I could...I would do my best to emulate his moves.

The point I'd like to make is simple...I'm not asking anyone to root for Kobe Bryant, or the Lake Show for that matter...I just think it would be a good idea to pay attention to what he is doing now, because basketball players like him are one in a million.

Carpe Diem.

Photo: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

West Side

"Back in Philly, we be out in the park..."

The Fresh Prince - Summertime

The end of the year always brings people to reflect on their lives, and while I have been thinking about numerous things this week...there is one thing that I wanted to make clear before January 1, 2011.

Showtime

If someone would have told me that the tall, lanky younger brother of Sharia Bryant would one day grow up to become one of the best basketball players in the world...I wouldn't know how to interpret that information. 16-years ago, the only thing on my mind was getting a new pair of sneakers, and hanging out with my siblings and friends.

People are usually skeptical about my friendship with the Bryant and Cox families, however it's because of Kobe, that I cheer for and support the Los Angeles Lakers. I grew up watching the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks, however when the Lakers drafted Eddie Jones from Temple in 1994, and then acquired Bryant two years later...I became a Lakers know it all. What would you do if your friend was drafted by a professional team...I'm guessing you would be a fan?

I'm all about my hometown team...I enjoy watching the Sixers, and I cheer for them always. In fact, as I write this they are playing in the Staples Center, and with 2:36 to go in the 2nd quarter they are trailing the Lake Show by 10-points, 46-36.

This is how I root for two teams...the first thing I do is assess them both realistically...meaning the Lakers are a championship caliber team, so I hope they win it all, and the 76ers are in the midst of bouncing back from a bad season last year, so I'd love for them to advance to the playoffs, and make a run.

I just wanted to set the record straight...Happy New Year!

Checkmate

"Jay's favorite line...dog in due time..."

Kanye West - Touch the Sky

LeBron James shook up the sports world last week when he announced that he was taking his talents to South Beach. Since then the media and and general public have been giving him the Kobe treatment.

Control

Heavy is the head that wears the crown...

-William Shakespeare

LeBron James is a professional athlete and he has done what was best for him and his family. My first job upon my graduation from Temple University was with the National Basketball Association...when I was laid off due to an economic downturn...my heart was in pain, and I felt betrayed, however at the end of the day it was a business move.

When I look at the circumstances of James' decision...the similarities are familiar. I can understand the way people felt when he choose not to return to Cleveland, because whenever emotions are involved...the vision can become cloudy...yet this wasn't about the fans, or loyalty to his adopted home, it was strictly business. If the Cavs would have traded him to another team last February, it would have been merely the way things are done in professional sports. So there shouldn't be any hoopla when the athlete takes the reigns for once.

The NBA rookies of 2003 are as heralded as the '84, and '96 classes, so with James, Wade, and Bosh on the same squad...it's Xbox come true. Imagine Bryant, Nash, and Ray Allen, or Jordan, Barkley, and Olajuwon together against the league...the possibilities would be endless.

I see nothing wrong with this move to Florida. When A-Rod won the AL MVP award with the Rangers...he was a great player with tons of individual awards, but what truly burned his competitive fire was the quest for a World Series ring, which he captured last October. He is currently about to reach the 600 home run milestone, and now as a champion he can revel in the accolades. It has nothing to do with the Yankees being Derek Jeter's team...it has everything to do with the reason why all athletes play.

Only time will tell if this new star alignment will earn multiple championships...right now as things are, the Celtics, Magic, Thunder, and Lakers can prove to be a thorn in Miami's side, but until next June arrives, we'll all just have to watch and wait.

Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images

The Alchemist

"Taking out this time, to give you a piece of my mind..."

Mary J. Blige - Can't Knock the Hustle

There is nothing new under the sun...so when the hysteria of the NBA's free agency period reached a boiling point last Thursday, I didn't speculate on what would happen.

Internationally Known

For every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction, according to Sir Isaac Newton and his laws of motion...this being the case, the announcement or shall I say the decision tomorrow evening from Lebron James will not only get a worldwide reaction...it will undoubtedly change the state of professional basketball.

33-years ago Dr. J made the switch from the ABA to the NBA, earlier this decade MJ donned a Wizards uniform, and more recently Kobe flirted with the possibility of playing for the Clippers, and Bulls. In each scenario the Earth continued to turn...as it will most certainly be business as usual tomorrow...yet in still with each high profile case, it becomes big news throughout the industry and pop culture.

The question is will LBJ leave or will he seek greener pastures in another city? Personally I would love for him to finish his career in Cleveland, however James must do what's best for his family and career. As a sports fan, there is a lot to be said about a person that plays their entire career with one team (Derek Jeter)...yet in still this is life and as much as we try to control it...opportunities arise, and things change like the seasons.

LeBron James will play well in any uniform...the bottom line revolves around championships, and money. What I find most intriguing about this, is the fact that the press conference is being held in Connecticut, and James has been tweeting today with random facts...I don't get it, however by this time tomorrow, it should all make sense.

Photo: Webster Riddick

The Fifth Element

"There's a long list of high profile celebrities..."

Nas - Get Down

It's been slightly over a year since the Lakers defeated the Magic for the title...but before we take a trip down memory lane...it was merely a few weeks ago, when they did the impossible and repeated as champions.

Rivalry

Ron Artest, and Derek Fisher stepped up in the final two wins... nevertheless, Kobe Bryant received all the credit. However this was the best of one team in the Lakers, against the fire power of another...the rival Celtics. Anytime a best of 7-series goes the distance, the teams are evenly matched and it's the little things that go a long way. For example Kobe had a terrible shooting night in the finale, however he still managed to grab 15 rebounds...and Sasha Vujacic knocked down 2 critical free-throws down the stretch to help seal the victory.

Now that both teams have beaten one another for all the marbles in the last 2-years...it is safe to say that the heated rivalry from previous decades are back...which is a great thing for the fans and the overall popularity of the league.

What I didn't appreciate is how it seemed everyone cheered for the C's and they weren't even Boston fans. Much respect to my friend Ariana, who is legit and bleeds green...nevertheless, now that the season is over, it's time for the rookies to make a name for themselves, and for free agency to make everything topsy turvy.

It's July, and I can hardly wait for next season to begin.

One More

"You gotta go the distance..."

Common - The Game

The Lakers have extended the NBA Finals to a Game 7...and the rest will be history come Thursday evening.

Tomorrow Never Dies

The Lake Show earned an 89 - 67 victory over the Celtics Tuesday night in LA, and they did it playing as a team. In the last two losses, the Lakers failed to hustle, fight, and rebound...nevertheless everything changed in Game 6.

The Celtics lost their starting center Kendrick Perkins to a knee injury, and they succumbed to the Lakers defense and grit.

As with any win or go home situation, anything can happen...so both teams will have to play with heart, and intelligence. The stakes are at their highest, and with the Staples Center playing host...the home court advantage could prove positive for LA. Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett will not go quietly into the night, as this upcoming matchup can easily go either way.

Before the Finals began, I wrote that both teams are evenly matched...and that this series will go the distance. Will Kobe stop at nothing for his 5th championship ring, or will the C's bounce back, and win on the road?

The team that rebounds and defends walks into the history books, while the other will vow for revenge just as the Lakers did in '08.

Photo: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

There Will Be Blood

"I never brag how real I keep it..."

Nas - Take It In Blood

The Boston Celtics stand one game away from their second championship in 3-years. They will have 2 chances this week to capture the crown, however there is one obstacle in their way...

Final Destination

The NBA Finals began in the City of Angeles with each team winning 1-game apiece and once the series shifted to Boston...things got tricky for the Lake Show. In Game 4 it was the second unit of the Celtics that proved to be too much, and for Game 5, I honestly believe the C's wanted to win that much more, with superb play down the stretch from Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Rajon Rondo.

Game 6 and a potential 7th will be played in LA, and if Ron Artest, and Lamar Odom provide Kobe Bryant with a better effort on both ends of the floor, then it's game over for Boston.

Bryant proved what he can do, however the Celtics have played a much better team game as of late, so with the fate of the season on the line, I expect the Lakers to win.

Can Kobe Bean lead his team through sheer will and desire? Can the Celtics close it out and raise another championship banner...the answer to those mysteries are in the steady hands of number 24. The real question is, who will show up to play with Kobe Bryant...the reining champs, or the other squad that seemed to give up in two winnable games in the TD Bank North Garden...

At this point in the year the game is all about executing, and having the determination to accomplish the goal.

Actions speak louder than words, and I believe we will see a very good Lakers team in Game 6, poised to force a 7th and deciding game.

From there...anything can happen...winner takes all.

Commercial Appeal

"With my unique skills...nah, you can't compare me..."

Guru - Mass Appeal

Once upon a time Kobe Bryant was on top of the world with championship rings, and much respect from Madison Avenue. After a brief hiatus from the wins, and sponsorships...it's really good to see that things have shifted for the better.

Change

With the Lakers and Celtics vying for the title and bragging rights within the storied rivalry...Kobe Bean is quietly making his way back to the small screen. His advertisements with Nike Basketball and Vitamin Water are only the beginning if his team can win two more games.

Winning changes everything...just watch and see what I mean.

Dedication

"Some dreams stay dreams, some dreams come true..."

Kanye West - Still Dreaming

I've known Kobe and his family for several years, and I'm happy to see the results of his labor.

Relentless

Nike Basketball has a new campaign and while it invokes memories of seasons past, it made me think about the future, and the determination that it takes to become successful.

Photo: Elsa/Getty Images

Like Mother, Like Son

"Up 3 nothing, in Salt Lake City..."

Ghostface Killah - Stroke of Death

The LA/Utah series had a change of venue, as the Energy Solutions Arena played host to the Lake Show last night...in a game to remember.

Strictly Business

With 35-points and a calm under pressure cool...Kobe Bryant gave the Jazz, the blues. The best part about it...the Lakers did it as a team with double digit scoring from Fisher, Artest, and Pau Gasol.

Yes it was a close game, and yes the Lake Show were a few nano seconds from losing on two missed Jazz attempts before the buzzer, however the better team won. Now that LA holds a commanding 3-0 lead, everything else about this matchup is irrelevant because the end is near for the Utah Jazz.

The best part of the game for me wasn't the late game heroics and drama, it was the sight of Kobe's parents cheering and supporting their son. It brings back memories of them at his games in high school, or their daughter's matches in college.

The Bryant family is a tight knit clan...much like the Cosby Show, or Run's House, and while Kobe gets his name Bean and basketball acumen from his father, it's his mother...Ms. Pam that encouraged his will power, and tenacity. In life there is always going to be someone better, more attractive, smarter, taller, bigger, etc...however what can separate or level the playing field is the hard work, or determination that you give or have.

In the curious case of Kobe Bryant, not only is he one of the best players in the sport, he just so happens to be mentally stronger, and tougher than everyone as well...so in honor of this Mother's Day, I'd like to note that he is living his dream of becoming a professional athlete, and it was his mom's example, and teaching that has made the NBA champion that you see today.

Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

Family Business

"Here comes the black star, rock star, super star..."

Black Thought - Rock Star (Intro)

The Lakers are currently matched up with the Jazz...and while that may invoke a familiar playoff tune...it's the presence of Joe and Pam Bryant that make me think back to when I first met them at their daughter's volleyball game.

Circle of Trust

One of the strongest bonds on the planet is that of a family...be it humankind or otherwise, the family structure is very important to who we become later in life. Its not unusual to see an athlete's mother, or father in an arena, however when I saw Kobe's parents at the recent games in LA...it made me think of the days that are now so far gone. I met Kobe when we were teens, growing up in this crazy city, however what I admired most about the kid with the ubiquitous basketball was his close knit family. His mother and father's attendance isn't a Hollywood publicity stunt, as they have been traveling to their children's games since way before I can remember.

I don't have much to say about the series, because it has yet to become newsworthy...as the Lake Show have capitalized on the smaller, short handed Jazz. Playing in Utah is difficult, nevertheless, I expect more of the same, as the Lakers front court is beaming with height, and versatility...spelling disaster for the Western Conference.

Stay tuned!

Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images